Last season, David Wilson was an elite kick returner, ranking sixth in the NFL with a 26.9 yard average. But with Wilson now the Giants’ starting running back, rookie running back Michael Cox handled kick returns in Week 1 against Dallas.
On Friday, though, coach Tom Coughlin admitted Wilson could potentially assume the job again.
“That’s always a possibility,” Coughlin said.
Wilson did some kickoff return work during Friday’s practice, and now that the Giants have Brandon Jacobs added to the backfield mix along with Wilson and Da’Rel Scott — and with Wilson’s fumbling woes perhaps affecting his starting status — the Giants may feel as if they have more flexibility with Wilson. Of course, using him to return kickoffs also would be risky since it would be adding another responsibility to Wilson’s plate and possibly exposing him to injury.
Cox brought back one kick in the opener for 26 yards.
***
Safety Antrel Rolle missed practice on Friday due to groin soreness and officially is listed as questionable for Sunday, but Coughlin said he expects to have his secondary leader ready. Rolle also declared the injury won’t sideline him.
“I’ll be all right. I’ll play come Sunday. Just more precautionary reasons,” Rolle said. “The injury’s not really a concern.”
***
After missing the season opener, C David Baas (knee) practiced fully on Friday and is listed as probable. Scott (knee) is also probable, while rookie DE Damontre Moore (shoulder) is questionable. T David Diehl (thumb) and TE Adrien Robinson (foot) are out.
Among Broncos of note, CB Champ Bailey is out, while WR Wes Welker, WR Eric Decker, T Ryan Clady, LB Wesley Woodyard and PR/KR Trindon Holliday are all probable.
***
DT Linval Joseph was fined $15,750 for roughing the passer in the Cowboys game. He plans to appeal, saying, “I feel like I got pushed. … I hit the ground before I hit him.” … Regarding why LB Dan Connor was placed on injured reserve Thursday, Coughlin said a factor was that Connor’s return timetable was unclear. Connor suffered neck burners in both the last preseason game and in Week 1. Coughlin said new MLB Allen Bradford, who was awarded off waivers from the Seahawks, may be able to play special teams on Sunday.